Nature Friendly Farming: How Bere Mill Supports Pollinators and Insects

Nature-friendly farming in the UK focuses on enhancing biodiversity alongside agricultural productivity. Bere Mill is committed to these sustainable practices, ensuring our farming methods benefit the environment and local wildlife. Pollinators are a big part of working alongside nature, which is why we do everything we can to support them. 

What is Nature-Friendly Farming? 

Nature-friendly farming, particularly in the context of UK agriculture, refers to agricultural practices that consciously aim to support and enhance biodiversity while maintaining productivity. It's about creating a harmonious balance between farming needs and the health of natural ecosystems. This approach includes integrating habitat management into farming routines, such as maintaining hedgerows, creating buffer zones around watercourses, and using crop rotations that benefit the soil as well as local flora and fauna. Essentially, it's farming that seeks to work with nature rather than against it, ensuring that agricultural practices contribute positively to the surrounding environment.

The Plight of Pollinators

Why are pollinators under threat?

Pollinators in the UK are facing a serious decline, exacerbated by modern agricultural practices that disrupt their natural habitats. The shift towards more intensive farming has led to habitat loss, fragmentation and a decreased variety of flora, impacting the food sources and breeding grounds for bees, butterflies and moths. Over the past 50 years, more than half of all the bee, butterfly and moth species studied in the 2013 State of Nature Report have seen a significant decline.    Urbanisation further reduces green spaces, while the widespread use of pesticides and herbicides contributes to the decline. Additionally, climate change and diseases are altering the environments where pollinators have traditionally thrived, posing further challenges to their survival.

Why are pollinators crucial for the ecosystem and agriculture? 

Pollinators are indispensable to both ecosystems and agriculture. They are responsible for the pollination of approximately one third of the food crops we consume, ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables and seeds. This pollination process is not only vital for food production but also supports the health of wild plants, which in turn sustains diverse wildlife populations.    Beyond honeybees, a wide array of species including bees, moths, butterflies and other insects contribute to pollination in the UK, impacting crops valued at £690 million annually. The alternative, manual pollination, would not only be labour-intensive but also cost an estimated £1.8 billion each year.

Bere Mill’s Initiatives for Pollinators

Bere Mill is deeply committed to supporting pollinators through a variety of targeted actions. We focus on planting pollinator-friendly wildflowers and restoring water meadows, vital habitats that support diverse insect populations. Our approach includes managing wet meadows during winter and reducing grazing to enhance habitat quality.    Additionally, we practise late hay cutting to protect the breeding cycles of butterflies and other insects. Community engagement is also key; we conduct annual butterfly counts to monitor species and support conservation efforts, involving local groups in these initiatives to raise awareness and promote active participation in preserving our vital pollinators.

How many bees are native to the UK?

The UK is home to over 250 species of native bees, including 24 bumblebees and numerous solitary bees like mason and mining bees. Bumblebees live in colonies, whereas solitary bees do not form colonies or live communally. Additionally, the UK has populations of the European honey bee, primarily managed by beekeepers, making truly wild honey bee colonies exceedingly rare in the UK.

Planting Strategies at Bere Mill

At Bere Mill, we are committed to fostering a vibrant pollinator-friendly environment through thoughtful plant cultivation. We've reintroduced and encouraged the spread of many native plant species that serve as vital food and habitat sources for a wide range of pollinators. Notable among these are the Southern Marsh Orchid, which returned to Bere Mill some years ago having been absent for a long period before we took over the stewardship of the land. We were also pleased to see the return of other orchid species, such as the Pyramidal Orchid.    On a more common note, Meadow Buttercup thrives in our managed meadows and provides a seemingly endless supply of food for many pollinators, including bees and butterflies. We have also witnessed the increase of Purple Loosestrife, Common Knapweed, and the aquatic Common Water Crowfoot, which carpets our waterways in spring and summer.    Other beneficial plants include Lady's Bedstraw, which was historically used in cheese making but also provides a habitat for many insects, and the humble Bramble, which supports both butterflies and birds providing food and a safe habitat. The Bluebell, Oxeye Daisy, and Yellow Iris are also integral to our conservation efforts. Each plays a crucial role in sustaining the local ecosystem and supporting pollinator populations in the different types of habitats around the farm, such as woodland, pasture and waterways. 

What benefits have we seen in 30 years? 

Over the past three decades at Bere Mill, our commitment to nurturing biodiversity has reaped tangible rewards:  

1. Butterfly Diversity: The variety of butterfly species has increased significantly, with 16 species now flourishing across the farm.
2. Floral Expansion: We've observed a proliferation of wildflower species, contributing to the overall health and vibrancy of the ecosystem.
3. Aquatic Life: Enhancements to our waterways have boosted populations of water insects, including dragonflies, which play critical roles in aquatic ecosystems.
4. Wildlife Increase: The rise in insect populations has directly supported greater numbers of insectivorous animals such as water voles, various bird species and bats.
5. Agricultural Benefits: The diversity in hay crops not only provides richer nutrition to our cattle during winter but also enhances the soil's resilience, helping it better absorb and retain water, thereby mitigating the effects of extreme weather conditions.

  These changes underscore the profound impact of sustained, mindful management on enhancing biodiversity and ecological health.

How to Help Pollinators Locally

Here are some practical steps to help pollinators in your own garden: 

1. Plant Diverse Flora: Cultivate a variety of nectar-rich flowers, shrubs and trees to provide year-round sustenance for pollinators.
2. Wild Gardens: Allow parts of your garden to grow wild to support the natural growth of wildflowers, which serve as excellent food and shelter for pollinators.
3. Pesticide-Free: Reduce or eliminate pesticide use to protect pollinators and other beneficial insects. Seek natural pest control methods.
4. Less Lawn Mowing: Mow your lawn less frequently to allow flowers to bloom, which provides food and habitat.
5. Create Habitats: Build bee hotels and preserve natural habitats like hedgerows and grass margins to encourage nesting and hibernation.

  Interested in seeing our nature-friendly farming practices in action? Visit Bere Mill to explore our gardens and learn more about our initiatives during our open garden events.